I, Anne Garcia Garland, am running for re-election because the Oak Ridge City Council has now begun to function like a team, the vision I had for it when I was first elected. The five members who have been meeting to consider policy and long term planning have begun to realize how much more can be accomplished in this way. I believe that if we can do this as a council, then we should be able to work in a similar manner with the Board of Education and move forward together.The path city government has followed has shown the usefulness of TIFs (Tax Increment Financing) as a means of investing in new business. The growth of the Illinois corridor is healthy. Council encouraged the Kroger development by changing zoning and permitting traffic signals. That center inspired the investment in Oak Ridge by the new mall developers. Changes are already happening in properties surrounding the mall area.I believe that there will be more money from property and sales and use taxes as the UPF (Uranium Processing Facility) is finally constructed and the City Center gets to construction phase. We are on the cusp of full economic recovery and there are additional industry announcements in the offing. As a former school teacher, I look forward to the city being able to increase what it contributes to the schools.My role on council, in addition to the monthly voting and work meetings, has included being available to citizens. I have also advocated with Anderson County Chamber and Tourism to include and partner with Oak Ridge. I have attended committee, board, and commission meetings, participated in talks with the EPA, the Energy Communities Alliance, and PlanET, as well as the National League of Cities. I have shown up, stood up, and spoken up.I bring to City Council interest in hearing what others on council have to say by seconding their motions for discussion whether we initially agree or not. I bring a respect for all the people of Oak Ridge, as well as their representatives on council. I bring the experience of a background in math and accounting. I understand business as an owner, business developer, manager, and employee. Now, I better understand the ways city government and business are both alike and different.I would like to continue in this role and ask for your vote in support of that.